Thursday, August 19, 2010

Celtic fans Sectarian songs spark violence

http://www.kickoutbigotry.org/index.php?n=340

A female Celtic fan was injured by a flare after violence broke out during a pre-season friendly match.

The incident was one of several flashpoints which led to 20 arrests as the Glasgow giants took on Lincoln City on Saturday.

Two Scots fans, Stuart Stanley, 32, of Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, and Adam Pollock, of Pollok, were held in custody over the weekend before being charged with fighting in the street and freed on bail yesterday.

Both will appear at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on August 17.

Five fans, including the girl, were injured as a result of the violence and all received hospital treatment before they were released.

Police said a St George’s flag was set on fire outside the Golden Cross pub before the match started and tensions were also heightened by pro-IRA chants.

A smoke grenade was set off and, after the game, there were a number of scuffles involving rival fans.

More than 1000 Celtic fans travelled to the Sincil Bank Stadium to see their side cruise to a 4-1 victory.

Twelve of those arrested were locals and the remaining eight are believed to have been visiting Celtic supporters.

PC Andy Pearson said: “There was some disorder outside the Golden Cross pub and some after the match.

“A lot of it came from the inflammatory nature of the songs from the Celtic fans. Many of the incidents were fuelled by alcohol.”

Before kick-off, police had to deal with fights between two Celtic fans and another brawl in the away end of the ground. Police were also called to several fights in the town’s High Street.

Lincoln City are managed by ex-Celtic striker Chris Hutton.

Evening Times, 27th July 2010
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